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Jan 25, 2025

Marine Microbes, Marine Biofilms and Marine plastics and microplastics. Reviews

 Microbes and their communities underpin the functional marine biosphere and are indeed integral to all life on Earth. Yet for the most part, they are the hidden majority of living organisms.

MicroEcology

Planktonic Microbes in the Gulf of Maine Area June 2011







Marine Microplastics












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penbay report 1/15/25 links

 https://penbay.org/wrfr/2025/012525/

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Trumps executive oirder and what it means

PENOBSCOT BAY WATCH
People who care about Maine's biggest bay.


 On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued anl executive order entitled: 

"Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government’s Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects" (White House link)


Using the authority granted the President in section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1341(a), President Trump wrote: 

" I hereby withdraw from disposition for wind energy leasing all areas within the Offshore Continental Shelf (OCS) as defined in section 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1331.  This withdrawal shall go into effect beginning on January 21, 2025, and shall remain in effect until this Presidential Memorandum is revoked.:


GULF OF MAINE WIND LEASES 






January 20, 2025 Ocean Wind Energy extraction industry moratorium- Critical information gaps need addressing re Floating Offshore Wind Turbines the Gulf of Maine

Penobscot Bay Watch is a citizens association dedicated since 1993 to protecting and restoring the living marine resources of Penobscot Bay and the greater natural Gulf of Maine it adjoins and serves.

Our relevant oversight efforts over that time have included

(1) Communications, then administrative appeals and litigation over the University of Maine's DeepCwind project's Monhegan site selection. This continues since its inception and through its morphing into Maine Aquaventus Project leaving us today with their presently stalled increasingly outdated floating wind turbines proposal there.

(2) Frequent dialog with the Norwegian Statoil company's staff as it proposed but ultimately dropped a proposal for a floating wind array off midcoast Maine.

We likely have the best archive around of audio and documents of those early years of BOEMRE and DeepCwind.

Comments on Impacts of Offshore Wind Energy Development on Currents and Fishing Grounds in the Gulf of Maine

Background:

BOEM is requesting input on offshore wind planning in the Gulf of Maine, which contains numerous interconnected currents critical for ecosystems and fisheries. These comments from Penobscot Bay Watch (PBW) outline concerns regarding disruption of these complex flows that sustain marine life.

Major Currents and Fishing Grounds at Risk:

Labrador Current - This cold water influx already weakened by climate change

may be further altered by Canadian wind projects, disrupting the Gulf’s circulation.

Nova Scotia Current - Flows past productive grounds like Laurentian Channel and Banquereau Bank. Changes could impact larvae supplies for lobster, crab, and other fisheries.

Northeast Channel Current - Anything slowing this current could lessen influx of nutrients that increase productivity on western Gulf banks.

Eastern Maine Coastal Current - This major southwest flow passes valuable scallop and urchin grounds on Petit Manan and Dirt Hills. Anchor scour or current shifts threaten these species.

Downeast Coastal Current - Flows towards lucrative urchin and sea cucumber grounds off Grand Manan Island that rely on this current’s nutrient transport.

Jordan Basin Circulation - This internal cyclonic gyre concentrates particles to feed scallop and worm grounds in the Basin. Slowing this gyre may lower productivity.

Western Maine Coastal Current - Change to this flow passing through lobster grounds like Small Point could impact larval supply and dispersal.

Georges Basin Gyres - These gyres entrain larvae of clams, scallops, lobster and other invertebrates harvested here. Disrupting circulation may lower settlement.

Gulf of Maine-wide Concerns:

Right whale migratory routes, feeding habits, and population distribution depend on currents and gyres that concentrate their zooplankton prey. Any disruption threatens this endangered species.

Herring spawning grounds rely on currents to transport eggs and larvae. Altering flows during critical stages may jeopardize stocks.

Overall lowered productivity that could ripple through all trophic levels, worsening with climate change pressures.

Recommendations:

Site-specific current studies using ADCPs and drifters should occur before siting decisions, with attention to variations over time.

Ecosystem impacts must be projected using coupled biophysical models accounting for cumulative effects.

Seasonal restrictions may be needed during critical life history events dependent on stable currents and gyres.

Gulf of Maine-wide Concerns:

Independent review is essential to ensure adequate data collection, model projections, and ecosystem-based planning.

PBW believes the scale of floating offshore wind development proposed for the Gulf of Maine warrants a precautionary approach to safeguard the region's interconnected ecosystems, fisheries, and maritime communities.

These comments outline risks to major currents, fishing grounds, endangered whales, critical bird habitats, lobster larvae flows, scenic areas, and more. BOEM must fully assess array effects on currents and marine life before approving projects that could inflict irreversible damage. The Gulf's biodiversity, ecology, subcultures and sustainability must take priority over energy production targets.

Right whale migratory routes, feeding habits, and population distribution depend on currents and gyres that concentrate their zooplankton prey. Any disruption threatens this endangered species.

Herring spawning grounds rely on currents to transport eggs and larvae. Altering flows during critical stages may jeopardize stocks.

Overall lowered productivity that could ripple through all trophic levels, worsening with climate change pressures.

Recommendations:

* Site-specific current studies using ADCPs and drifters should occur before siting decisions, with attention to variations over time.

* Ecosystem impacts must be projected using coupled biophysical models accounting for cumulative effects.

* Seasonal restrictions may be needed during critical life history events dependent on stable currents and gyres.

Appendix A

Proposal for Eastern Maine Coastal Current Habitat Area of Particular Concern Designation

The Eastern Maine Coastal Current (EMCC) warrants designation as a National Marine Fisheries Service Habitat Area of Particular Concern (HAPC) due to its ecological significance for fisheries and protected species, vulnerability to disruption, and increasing threats from expanding human uses like offshore wind development. But also legacy pollution wastes

We call on BOEM and NOAA to work with the New England Fishery Management Council, Wabanaki Nation and other indigenous and historic stakeholders to initiate this process.

An EMCC HAPC would highlight the current's vital role as a migratory conduit, larval transport pathway, and nutrient aggregation zone supporting Gulf of Maine ecosystems and economies. It would facilitate tracking and assessment of cumulative impacts while prompting comprehensive review of proposed projects like floating wind arrays that could degrade essential habitat conditions.

While not imposing direct regulations, EMCC HAPC status would compel managers and developers to account for the risks posed to the current's ecological functions and productivity. It would incentivize careful siting of new infrastructure and thoughtful mitigation of unavoidable impacts. Seasonal restrictions could safeguard critical life stages of vulnerable species like right whales.

The EMCC meets the key criteria for an HAPC based on its importance for ecological functions, sensitivity to human impacts, foreseeable development pressures, and singular nature as the Gulf's dominant coastal current system. An HAPC would provide no new restrictions but highlight the EMCC as a flowing habitat requiring stewardship. Responsible planning mandates recognizing the current's significance before permits are issued in the region.

In closing, we urge BOEM to embrace a vision of the Gulf of Maine as a living entity nourished by interconnected currents that flow through it like arteries and veins. These currents pulse with the kinetic energy of winds, tides, and celestial cycles, while drinking sustenance from the outflow of rivers and streams along the coast. Their rhythms enable the Gulf’s bountiful ecology, from microscopic plankton to great whales.

As you evaluate the risks posed by floating offshore wind turbine arrays, consider the perspective of this watershed as a nurturing habitat animated by currents that are vital to sustain. New development must respect the Gulf’s own currents of life if it is to find an enduring place within this ecologically and culturally rich seascape.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like additional inforimation our email is coastwatch@gmail.com tel and text 207-691-4634

Sincerely

Ronald Huber

Ron Huber

Penobscot Bay Watch

cc Media

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REFERENCES

•Atlantic Salmon Federation. "Species Profile: Atlantic Salmon." https://www.asf.ca/species-profile-atlantic-salmon.html

•

•BOEM. "Commercial Wind Leasing Offshore Massachusetts." https://www.boem.gov/commercial-wind-leasing-offshore-massachusetts

•

•Davies, K.T.A, Taggart, C.T. "Measuring the influence of wind-driven advection on the recruitment ecology of Gulf of Maine Atlantic cod." Fisheries Oceanography. 2007.

•Harrison, Autumn-Lynn. “Migratory Birds of the Gulf of Maine.” Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment. http://www.gulfofmaine.org/2/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/migratory-birds-web.pdf

•Johnson et al. "Entanglements of baleen whales in fishing gear and marine debris in the Gulf of Maine and Scotian Shelf." Endangered Species Research. 2021.

•Kenney, Robert D. “Right Whales: Eubalaena glacialis, Eubalaena japonica, and Eubalaena australis.” In Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. 2018.

•NOAA Fisheries. "Atlantic Salmon." https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/atlantic-salmon-protected#conservation-management

•NOAA Fisheries. “Shortnose Sturgeon.” https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/shortnose-sturgeon#conservation-management

•Saba et al. "The Past, Present and Future of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation." Nature. 2021.

•Burgund THE CURRENTS OF PENOBSCOT BAY, MAINE:Observations and a Numerical Model by Halsey R. Burgund Advisor: Philip Bogden 2nd Reader: George Veronis April 21, 1995

* Conlon 2018 Circulation, Cross-Shelf Exchange, and Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) Population Connectivity in a Complex, Tidally Driven System. Summer 7-27-2018 A thesis by LeAnn M. Conlon

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Nine planetary boundaries we must not cross

(excerpts)

All life on Earth, and human civilization, are sustained by vital biogeochemical systems, which are in delicate balance. 
(continued below image)

However, our species — due largely to rapid population growth and explosive consumption — is destabilizing these Earth processes, endangering the stability of the “safe operating space for humanity.


Scientists note nine planetary boundaries beyond which we can’t push Earth Systems without putting our own societies at risk:
1. climate change,
2. biodiversity loss,
3. ocean acidification,
4. ozone depletion,
5. atmospheric aerosol pollution,
6. freshwater use,
7. biogeochemical flows of nitrogen and phosphorus,
8. system change, and
9. release of novel chemicals.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Continued)
All life on Earth, and human civilization, are sustained by vital biogeochemical systems, which are in delicate balance. However, our species — due largely to rapid population growth and explosive consumption — is destabilizing these Earth processes, endangering the stability of the “safe operating space for humanity.”

Scientists note nine planetary boundaries beyond which we can’t push Earth Systems without putting our societies at risk: climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, atmospheric aerosol pollution, freshwater use, biogeochemical flows of nitrogen and phosphorus, land-system change, and release of novel chemicals.

Humanity is already existing outside the safe operating space for at least four of the nine boundaries: climate change, biodiversity, land-system change, and biogeochemical flows (nitrogen and phosphorus imbalance). The best way to prevent overshoot, researchers say, is to revamp our energy and food systems.

In 2021, three meetings offer chances to avoid planetary boundary overshoot: the Convention on Biological Diversity meeting in Kunming, China; the U.N. Climate Summit (COP26) in Glasgow, U.K.; and the U.N. Food Systems Summit in Rome. Agreements with measurable, implementable, verifiable, timely and binding targets are vital, say advocates.

Advanced human societies emerged during an unprecedented period of stability on Earth. During the 12,000 years prior to the Industrial Revolution, our planet’s surface temperature varied by less than 1° Celsius (1.8° Fahrenheit) above or below the average for that entire period. As a result, life — both human and wild — thrived.

But over the past two centuries, humanity has dramatically increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, pushing us outside this “safe” climate zone; outside the conditions for which civilization has been designed.

Unfortunately for us, climate change represents just one of nine critical planetary boundaries, which the imprudent actions of our species risk dangerously destabilizing and overshooting.

===============================

However, our species — due largely to rapid population growth and explosive consumption — is destabilizing these Earth processes, endangering the stability of the “safe operating space for humanity.”

Scientists note nine planetary boundaries beyond which we can’t push Earth Systems without putting our own societies at risk: 
1. climate change, 
2. biodiversity loss, 
3. ocean acidification, 
4. ozone depletion, 
5. atmospheric aerosol pollution, 
6. freshwater use, 
7. biogeochemical flows of nitrogen and phosphorus, 
8. system change, and 
9. release of novel chemicals.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All life on Earth, and human civilization, are sustained by vital biogeochemical systems, which are in delicate balance. However, our species — due largely to rapid population growth and explosive consumption — is destabilizing these Earth processes, endangering the stability of the “safe operating space for humanity.”

Scientists note nine planetary boundaries beyond which we can’t push Earth Systems without putting our societies at risk: climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, atmospheric aerosol pollution, freshwater use, biogeochemical flows of nitrogen and phosphorus, land-system change, and release of novel chemicals.

Humanity is already existing outside the safe operating space for at least four of the nine boundaries: climate change, biodiversity, land-system change, and biogeochemical flows (nitrogen and phosphorus imbalance). The best way to prevent overshoot, researchers say, is to revamp our energy and food systems.

The Nine Planetary Boundaries: A closer look

The Planetary Boundaries Framework (last updated in 2015) defines nine key Earth System processes and sets safe boundaries for human activities. They are:

Climate change: Rising concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are leading to increasing global temperatures. We passed the safe boundary of 350 parts per million of CO2 in 1988. By 2020, levels were 417ppm.

Novel entities: One of the more elusive planetary boundaries, novel entities refers to harmful chemicals, materials, and other new substances (such as plastics), as well as naturally-occurring substances such as heavy metals and radioactive materials released by human activities. We release tens of thousands of synthetic substances into the environment every day, often with unknown effects. These risks are exemplified by the danger posed by CFCs to the ozone layer, or of DDT to biodiversity.

Stratospheric ozone depletion: The depletion of O3 in the stratosphere as a result of chemical pollutants was first discovered in the 1980s and led to the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The ozone layer is now showing signs of recovery.

Atmospheric aerosols: Atmospheric aerosol pollution is a bane to human health and can also influence air and ocean circulation systems that affect the climate. For example, severe aerosol pollution over the Indian subcontinent may cause the monsoon system to abruptly switch to a drier state.

Ocean acidification: Rising atmospheric CO2 levels are increasing the acidity of the world’s oceans, posing a severe risk to marine biodiversity and particularly invertebrates whose shells dissolve in acidic waters.

Biogeochemical flows: We have profoundly altered the planet’s natural nitrogen and phosphorus cycles by applying these vital nutrients in large quantities to agricultural land, leading to runoff into neighboring ecosystems.

Freshwater use: Agriculture, industry and a growing global population are putting ever greater strain on the freshwater cycle, while climate change is altering weather patterns, causing drought in some regions and flooding in others.

Land-system change: Changes in land-use, particularly the conversion of tropical forests to farmland, have a major effect on climate because of the impact on atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, on biodiversity, freshwater, and the reflectivity of the Earth’s surface.

Biosphere Integrity: The functional integrity of ecosystems is a core planetary boundary because of the many ecoservices they provide, from pollination to clean air and water. Scientists are concerned about rapid declines in plant and animal populations, the degradation of ecosystems, and the loss of genetic diversity which could disrupt essential biosphere services.

END EXCERPT

read full publicatoin 

The nine boundaries humanity must respect to keep the planet habitable 


Image and explanations courtesy of J. Lokrantz/Azote based on Steffen et al. (2015) via Stockholm Resilience Centre.
























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Jan 21, 2025

Executive Order on offshore wind exploitation January 20, 2025

 White house link to the Executive order

January 20, 2025

MEMORANDUM for the Secretary Of the Treasury,  the Attorney General, the Secretary Of The Interior, the Secretary Of Agriculture, the Secretary Of Energy, The Administrator Of The Environmental Protection Agency

SUBJECT: Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government’s Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects

Section 1.  Temporary Withdrawal of Areas.  Consistent with the principles of responsible public stewardship that are entrusted to this office, with due consideration for a variety of relevant factors, including the need to foster an energy economy capable of meeting the country’s growing demand for reliable energy, the importance of marine life, impacts on ocean currents and wind patterns, effects on energy costs for Americans –- especially those who can least afford it –- and to ensure that the United States is able to maintain a robust fishing industry for future generations and provide low cost energy to its citizens, I hereby direct as follows:

Under the authority granted to me in section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1341(a), I hereby withdraw from disposition for wind energy leasing all areas within the Offshore Continental Shelf (OCS) as defined in section 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1331.  This withdrawal shall go into effect beginning on January 21, 2025, and shall remain in effect until this Presidential Memorandum is revoked.

To the extent that an area is already withdrawn from disposition for wind energy leasing, the area’s withdrawal is extended for a time period beginning on January 21, 2025, until this Presidential Memorandum is revoked.

This withdrawal temporarily prevents consideration of any area in the OCS for any new or renewed wind energy leasing for the purposes of generation of electricity or any other such use derived from the use of wind.  This withdrawal does not apply to leasing related to any other purposes such as, but not limited to, oil, gas, minerals, and environmental conservation.

Nothing in this withdrawal affects rights under existing leases in the withdrawn areas.  With respect to such existing leases, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Attorney General as needed, shall conduct a comprehensive review of the ecological, economic, and environmental necessity of terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases, identifying any legal bases for such removal, and submit a report with recommendations to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.

Section 2.  Temporary Cessation and Immediate Review of Federal Wind Leasing and Permitting Practices.  

(a)  In light of various alleged legal deficiencies underlying the Federal Government’s leasing and permitting of onshore and offshore wind projects, the consequences of which may lead to grave harm — including negative impacts on navigational safety interests, transportation interests, national security interests, commercial interests, and marine mammals — and in light of potential inadequacies in various environmental reviews required by the National Environmental Policy Act to lease or permit wind projects, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the heads of all other relevant agencies, shall not issue new or renewed approvals, rights of way, permits, leases, or loans for onshore or offshore wind projects pending the completion of a comprehensive assessment and review of Federal wind leasing and permitting practices.  

The Secretary of the Interior shall lead that assessment and review in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Secretary of Energy, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.  

The assessment shall consider the environmental impact of onshore and offshore wind projects upon wildlife, including, but not limited to, birds and marine mammals.  The assessment shall also consider the economic costs associated with the intermittent generation of electricity and the effect of subsidies on the viability of the wind industry.

(b)  In light of criticism that the Record of Decision (ROD) issued by the Bureau of Land Management on December 5, 2024, with respect to the Lava Ridge Wind Project Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as approved by the Department of the Interior, is allegedly contrary to the public interest and suffers from legal deficiencies, the Secretary of the Interior shall, as appropriate, place a temporary moratorium on all activities and rights of Magic Valley Energy, LLC, or any other party under the ROD, including, but not limited to, any rights-of-way or rights of development or operation of any projects contemplated in the ROD.  

The Secretary of the Interior shall review the ROD and, as appropriate, conduct a new, comprehensive analysis of the various interests implicated by the Lava Ridge Wind Project and the potential environmental impacts.

(c)  The Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall assess the environmental impact and cost to surrounding communities of defunct and idle windmills and deliver a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, with their findings and recommended authorities to require the removal of such windmills.

(d)  The Attorney General may, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, provide notice of this order to any court with jurisdiction over pending litigation related to any aspect of the Federal leasing or permitting of onshore or offshore wind projects or the Lava Ridge Wind Project, and may, in the Attorney General’s discretion, request that the court stay the litigation or otherwise delay further litigation, or seek other appropriate relief consistent with this order, pending the completion of the actions described in subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this section, as applicable.

This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. 

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

END



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Jan 17, 2025

Wabanaki Chiefs brief Maine Legislature's Judiciary Committee on the state of the tribes. January 15, 2025

0. Introductions of 2025  Judiciary Committee members 6min37sec 

1. Chief Clarissa Sabbatis (Maliseet) 10min

2. Chief  Edward Peter Paul  Aroostook Band of Micmac  2min8sec 

3. Chief Pos Bassett Passamaquoddy Sipayik 5min52sec

4 Chief  William  Nicholas Passamaquoddy, Indian Township 14min32sec

5  Q&As by Committee to Chiefs to close  16min 17sec

Full recording (raw) 52 minutes

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Maine Legislature 2025. 1/16/25 Marine Resource committee meets interest groups

On January 16, the Maine Legislature's Marine Resources Committee heard from thirteen  people representing Maine marine science, ecology and industry interests

The meeting begins with an 11 minute introduction of the committee's members.

* Sebastian Belle, Maine Aquaculture Association 3min 37min

* Peter Fallon, Maine Coast Charter Boat Captains 4min3sec

* Stacy Kiefer, Maine Marine Trades Association 6min 42sec

* Robin Hadlock Seeley,   Maine Rockweed Coalition 3min5sec

* Maine Seaweed Council 3min27sec

* Chase Jackson The Nature Conservancy  7min

* Protect Maine Fishing Heritage 5min 30sec

* Abbie Remick UME 5min554sec

* Campbell Scott Oceans Alive (submersibles)  6min30sec

* Emily Coffin, Maine Coast Fishermens Association 5min 14sec

* Marianne Lacroix Maine lobster Marketing Assoc 4 min58sec

*  Kyle Pepperman  Downeast Institute_2min55sec

* Emily Farr, Manomet  4min42sec

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Jan 11, 2025

Sears Island Causeway Army Corps of engineers permit

 

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Jan 10, 2025

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